Historical Figure
Colin Powell
1937–2021
American general, diplomat and statesman (1937–2021)
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Biography
Colin Luther Powell was an American Army general, diplomat, and statesman who was the 65th United States secretary of state from 2001 to 2005 and was the highest-ranking Black American in the federal executive branch in American history until the election of Barack Obama as president in 2008. Originally a member of the Republican Party, he was the first Black American to hold the office. He was the 15th national security advisor from 1987 to 1989, and the 12th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993.
In Their Own Words (5)
There can be no doubt that Saddam Hussein has biological weapons and the capability to rapidly produce more, many more.
Remarks to the United Nations Security Council (5 February 2003); in an interview (September 2005) with Barbara Walters, Powell was asked about the Security Council speech and responded that it was a "blot" on his record... "it will always be a part of my record. It was painful. It's painful now." , 2003
As successes come your way, remember that you didn't do it alone. It is always we.
p. 266 , 2012
You can't make good decisions unless you have good information and can separate facts from opinion and speculation.'''
p. 113 , 2012
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.
As quoted in The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell (2003) by Oren Harari, p. 164. , 2003
What the hell, what are these guys thinking about? Can't you get these guys back in the box?
Remark made to Joint Chiefs of Staff General Shelton regarding comments by Paul Wolfowitz and Donald Rumsfeld, advocating an attack on Iraq, even before the battle plan for attacking the Taliban was formulated, shortly after “the crucial meeting took place on September 15 in the Laurel Lodge at Camp David, at which Wolfowitz made the case for action against Iraq.” . Also see . (Remark from 9/2001 shortly after 9/11). , 2001
Timeline
The story of Colin Powell, told in moments.
Serves as a military adviser in South Vietnam, where he is wounded by a punji-stick trap. Returns for a second tour in 1968. Investigates the My Lai massacre report and writes a memo dismissing the allegations. He later calls this a "blot" on his record.
Appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The youngest person and first Black American to hold the position. Over the next four years, he oversees the Panama invasion and Desert Storm. His doctrine: use overwhelming force or don't go in at all.
Sworn in as 65th Secretary of State under George W. Bush. The highest-ranking Black official in the history of the federal government until Barack Obama is elected president seven years later.
Presents the case for Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to the UN Security Council. He holds up a vial of white powder. He shows satellite photos. The intelligence is wrong. He calls this speech the lowest point of his career: "a blot that will always be on my record."
Dies of complications from COVID-19 at 84. He was fully vaccinated but immunocompromised from blood cancer treatment.
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